Acne is never just one problem. A single person can have clogged pores, inflamed acne, red marks, dark marks, or acne scars all at once.
So care should start by assessing the skin and the type of concern before choosing how to treat it. The goals of acne care are to reduce the acne that is forming, prevent new breakouts, and lower the chance of marks and scarring. The right treatment differs from person to person, and some cases need more than one approach combined, such as extractions, targeted acne injections, and IPL.
Common concerns
Clogged pores come from blocked follicles, and can appear as blackheads or whiteheads.
Inflamed acne often looks like red bumps, pustules, or acne with more inflammation.
Post-acne dark and red marks are the traces left after acne inflammation. They take time to fade and need consistent skin care.
Acne scars are scarring from inflammation and the skin's repair process. Scars come in several types, so they need assessment before choosing how to care for them.
What matters most in caring for acne-prone skin
- Avoid squeezing, picking or pressing pimples yourself
- Use products suited to your skin
- Care for your skin gently
- Use sunscreen regularly
- If you have a lot of inflamed acne, persistent acne, or scarring beginning, see a doctor
Picking or squeezing acne can increase inflammation and raise the risk of scarring.
How acne care fits together: extractions, injections and IPL
Each type of acne behaves differently, so combining approaches lets you deal with more than one problem at a time.
Comedone extraction
Extractions clear clogged pores, such as blackheads and whiteheads, out of the follicle. They should be done properly to reduce the risk of inflammation, infection, and marks or scarring.
Acne injections
For inflamed acne that is large, nodular, or deep and painful, a doctor may consider a targeted injection to settle the inflammation and the pain more quickly. American Academy of Dermatology guidance notes that corticosteroid injection can be used as an adjunct for large nodular acne lesions.
IPL for acne
IPL acne treatment uses Intense Pulsed Light to help with acne, particularly inflamed acne and the redness left behind by it.
Research has found IPL can reduce the number of inflammatory acne lesions in some patients, and may help reduce inflammation and some factors involved in how acne forms. That said, results vary from person to person, and IPL is usually best used as part of an acne care plan rather than as a treatment on its own.
What IPL can help with
- Helping with inflamed acne
- Reducing acne-related redness in some people
- Caring for skin that breaks out easily
- Helping skin look smoother and more even overall
- Working alongside other acne treatments, as assessed by a doctor
Combining them covers more of the problem, but not everyone needs all three. A doctor should assess the type of acne, its severity, your skin, and your treatment history before choosing what suits you.
A real example of combined acne care at the clinic. Results vary from person to person.
Who it suits
It suits people dealing with concerns such as:
- Inflamed acne
- Clogged pores
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Redness left by acne
- Oily skin that breaks out easily
- Anyone who wants combined acne care matched to their skin
What the visit looks like
- Assessment of your skin and the type of acne, by a doctor or trained provider
- Extractions considered where clogged pores are suitable for it
- Targeted acne injections considered for large or deep inflamed lesions, where indicated
- IPL at the energy and programme suited to your skin
- Guidance on skin care and preventing further breakouts
Aftercare
Follow the clinic’s instructions afterwards. In general you should:
- Avoid picking, scratching or squeezing acne
- Use gentle skin-care products
- Apply sunscreen regularly
- Avoid heat and strong sun as advised after IPL
- Contact the clinic for advice if anything looks unusual, such as swelling, redness, stinging or significant irritation
Care at Bubpha Clinic
Bubpha Clinic can assess your skin concern and plan care to suit each person's skin, such as caring for clogged pores, inflamed acne, acne marks, and skin recovery.
For acne scars, the approach depends on the type, depth, and condition of each person's skin. Some cases need several approaches combined and more than one session to see a suitable result.
Because everyone's skin is different, good treatment isn't using the same method for everyone. It's choosing what suits your skin's concern.
Frequently asked
Do post-acne dark and red marks fade on their own?
Post-acne marks tend to fade gradually over time, but the timeline differs for everyone. Consistent skin care and regular sunscreen help. If you want them to fade faster, see a doctor to plan care.
Can acne scars be fully cured?
Acne scars come in several types with different depths, so care must be assessed individually. Some cases need several approaches combined and more than one session. The clinic will assess and explain the approach that suits your skin.
Does everyone need all three, extractions, injections and IPL?
No. Acne type and skin condition differ from person to person. A doctor should assess the type of acne, its severity, your skin, and your treatment history first, then choose only what suits you. For some people a single approach is enough.
Will IPL clear my acne completely?
IPL cannot guarantee that acne will clear completely. Research has found IPL can reduce the number of inflammatory acne lesions in some patients, but results vary from person to person, and IPL is usually best used as part of an acne care plan rather than on its own.
Can I extract pimples at home?
Better not to. Squeezing or picking acne yourself raises the risk of inflammation, infection, and marks or scarring. Extractions should be done properly by someone trained to do them.
At Bubpha Clinic in Udom Suk, we start from your skin’s real problem and needs, then choose the approach that genuinely fits you, not whatever is trending. We look after clients across Udom Suk, Bang Na, Bearing, Bang Chak, Srinakarin, and Sukhumvit 103. To ask whether acne and acne-mark care is right for you, message us on LINE.
Please note: Results depend on the type and severity of the acne, your skin, how it responds to treatment, and your own skin care. IPL cannot guarantee that acne will clear completely, and suitability should be assessed before every session.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, and published research on the use of IPL in acne care. This content is for general information only and is not personal medical advice.